Brown University (RI)

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so. (The application won't accept a response shorter than 250 words.)

lSome students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

lThe lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

lReflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?

l Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma-anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.

lDiscuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

Supplemental Essay Questions:

lWhy are you drawn to the area(s) of
study you indicated in our Member Section, earlier in this application? If you
are “undecided” or not sure which Brown concentrations match
your interests, consider describing more generally
the academic topics or modes of thought that engage you currently. (150 word
limit)

lSome schools offer students the
opportunity to take national exams in areas such as math and language. These
exams include, but are not limited to, AIME, AMC 10, Le Grand
Concours, National Spanish Exam, National Latin Exams. If
you have taken any of these exams (or any other subject-based national or
international examinations), please inform us
of the exams and scores you find most meaningful. (250 characters)

lTell us where you have lived - and for
how long - since you were born; whether you've always lived in the same place,
or perhaps in a variety of places. (100 word limit)

lWe all exist within communities or
groups of various sizes, origins, and purposes; pick one and tell us why it is
important to you, and how it has shaped you. (150 word limit)

lWhy Brown? (200 word limit)

Complete the Science/Engineering
statements if you have indicated an interest in Chemistry, Computer Science,
Engineering, Geology, Mathematics or Physics.

lFor students interested in Chemistry,
Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics or Physics Because you have expressed an interest
in Chemistry, Computer Science,
Geology, Mathematics or Physics, we would like to know a bit more about
you. Please limit your total response to 500 words.

1.Many applicants to college are unsure
about eventual majors. What factors led you to your interest? What experiences
beyond school work have broadened your interest?
(Feel free to elaborate on one of your previous responses.)

2.What concept in your anticipated major
were you most proud of mastering?

3.Briefly describe the course(s) you have
taken relating to your chosen field.

lFor students interested in Engineering (Limit your total response to the
following 3 questions to 500 words.)

1.Many applicants to college are unsure
about eventual majors. What factors led you to your interest in Engineering?
(Feel free to elaborate on one of your earlier responses.)

2.What experiences beyond school work have
broadened your interest?

3.Brown offers ABET accredited programs in
Biomedical, Chemical and Biochemical, Computer, Electrical, Materials, and
Mechanical Engineering. Aerospace, Environmental, and Structural Engineering can also be pursued within the six core ABET
accredited disciplines. Other options include: Sc.B. Civil/Environmental
Engineering, Sc.B. Engineering /Physics, A.B. Engineering. (Students entering with
the Class of 2017 and beyond who seek to specialize in civil or structural
engineering will also have available a new
structural mechanics track within the accredited mechanical engineering that
will accommodate their interests.) Since there is a common core curriculum
within Engineering,
students need not select a specific area until their junior year. We are
curious to know, however, if any particular program within Engineering
presently appeals to you. If so, please
discuss that choice.

Complete special programs statements
only if you are applying to the 8 year Program in Liberal Medical Education
(PLME) or the five year Brown/RISD Dual Degree Program (BRDD).

lFor students applying to The
Program in Liberal Medical Education (Both questions are required;
please limit your response to each question to 500 words.)

1.Most high school seniors are unsure
about eventual career choices. What experiences have led you to consider
medicine as your future profession? Please describe specifically why you have chosen to
apply to the Program in Liberal Medical Education in pursuit of your career in
medicine. Also, be sure to indicate your rationale on how the PLME is a “good fit” for your personal, academic, and future
professional goals. (Please limit your response to this question to 500
words.)

2.Since the Program in Liberal Medical
Education espouses a broad-based liberal education, please describe your fields
of interest in both the sciences and the liberal arts.
Be specific about what courses and aspects of the program
will be woven into a potential educational plan. (Please limit your response to
this question to 500 words.)

lFor students applying to the Brown-RISD
Five Year Dual Degree Program

In choosing to
apply for the Brown-RISD A.B./B.F.A. dual degree program, your interests and
future plans will be influenced and enhanced by the courses offered by both
colleges. We are curious as to why you have chosen to apply for this specific
dual degree program; please tell us your reasons for selecting it, and what you
envision as its impact on your education and career. (500 word limit)